Friday, September 14, 2012

[Updated 2016 with most current listings and what I have tried and loved.]

I want to buy pettipants or bloomers or pantaloons or something similar: like divided slips or long-legged underwear. I feel like I've entered the nineteenth century admitting such.

You see, I have this problem where I want to throw on a light skirt or summery dress … but then my inner thighs rub together when I walk. I know I'm not the only one with this problem, but it's hard to find a solution!

Some ideas I've heard to halt the chafe:

Let me just get this unhelpful one out of the way: Lose weight. Even assuming this was possible or sustainable, it's not a viable solution, because no matter what weight I've been as an adult, my thighs are just built to touch! I honestly didn't realize for many years that some women had thighs that didn't touch when they walked; it didn't seem anatomically possible to me. Secondly, I never think it's a useful idea to dress a body you don't have (even in your mind), when there's a perfectly good body you have that you could dress instead! Everyone deserves to have comfortable, appealing, and functional clothing, regardless of size or body shape.

Wear pantyhose or tights. This is what I usually resort to, but (a) this is unpleasant and should be unnecessary in warm weather, (b) I have trouble finding tights and hose that fit my height plus weight (they often droop in the crotch, which doesn't help the problem at all!), (c) this does not make me want to wear skirts and dresses (quite the contrary).

Wear pantyhose with the legs cut off. This was my go-to solution for years, but I still had to wear a slip because otherwise my skirts catch and ride up on the hose fabric, which means the idea of "throwing on" a skirt is nil since I now have a required four layers (counting undies). And as I've said, I've lately had trouble finding hose that fit. All the larger sizes seem to think you want to be as stuffed as a sausage in casing. Control top can go and die a fiery death.

Wear bike shorts. This also requires wearing a slip over but is an option if you can find some that fit. I used to have a comfortable cotton pair and am not sure where they got to — though they probably don't fit anymore, anyway.

Wear regular shorts. Too bulky.

Wear boy-cut panties or boxers. I haven't found any women's styles that don't ride up, rendering them useless for chafing purposes.

Wear men's boxers or boxer briefs if you can find a size that fits snugly on you. (If you were really petite, you could even try boys' sizes.) I might try this at some point by purloining a pair of Sam's. Men's undies tend to be cheaper than anything specialized I could buy, so there's a plus!

Wear footless leggings. I endorse this for those who can carry it off. However, in the summer leggings are still hot, and my skirts catch and ride up on them. In the winter, I have to wear shoes (not sandals), and that means I have to wear substantial socks, for I have wuss feet. I don't think that really works with leggings. I can pull off the look with boots (and knee-highs) over leggings, but sometimes I want to wear shoes. UPDATED:Tara adds the idea of shortening a pair of footless leggings for summer wear.

Wear a running skirt (which is actually a skort) underneath. Running skirts (which can serve a double purpose, obviously) are super cute and are a short skirt attached over a pair of tight-fitting bike shorts. I even found one in my closet that I forgot I bought because I figured it wouldn't fit, and I tried it on and it does fit — woo! So I wore it running and was so excited that it would become my clear solution to the chafing-under-skirts problem. Only: no. Because the inseam is short enough that the legs ride up, still, and I was tugging at them the whole run. I've determined if I wear shorts of whatever kind that they need to reach longer than the widest part of my thigh, or there's no way they won't just ride up as I walk or run. (Wait, don't Miss America contestants glue their swimsuits in place to prevent wedgies? Maybe that's what I need!) UPDATED:Anna recommends Skirt Sports and the Happy Girl Skirt ($70) in particular. I actually had been looking at this company a couple months ago and debating whether to order one of their skirts — they look wonderful.

Rub antiperspirant on your inner thighs. Helps a little because of moisture control but doesn't eliminate the problem. Also troublesome to rub chemically laden product near sensitive areas.

Use diaper cream. Works to heal the irritation but not prevent it. UPDATED: Kara in the comments suggests trying lanolin or Aquaphor over adding layers in hot climates.

Vaseline. Tried this. Ineffective and messy! If anything, it made the stickiness worse.

Use a commercial anti-chafe product, such as hard-core cyclists and runners use. Haven't tried this but can't buy it this month! Not convinced they'll work as well for thighs, since most of the reviews mention feet (blister prevention) and nipples (for male runners; I just use a bra, yo), and since I had a bad experience with the Vaseline. I worry also about questionable ingredients and that it will rub off on and ruin my clothes. UPDATED:Anna recommends Bodyglide and says she loves it.

Then someone online suggested: Try pettipants! And bloomers! So I've been wanting to try some, but I can't decide (a) what fabric to get (slippery nylon? breathable cotton? a mix? and what can I find, anyway?), (b) what length I should choose (my skirts vary in length and include knee-length options, so I'd rather have shorter if possible, but not at the expense of having them ride up and allow continued chafing), and (c) which brand (the reviews of the commercial ones are all over the map, and not everyone is buying them for anti-chafing purposes, which means I have to read the reviews carefully).

The other problem is, I also wear some skorts (scooters?) in the summer months where I'm having the same problem. I guess the inner legs of the shorts are too gappy/flappy or just too short an inseam. I don't know if there's anything I could wear under those that wouldn't show? Or any way I could alter the shorts legs to be more form-fitting?

Since I'm not spending money on the above possibilities, anyone who wants to test drive a solution, go for it and then send me in your report for a follow-up post!

Some options for pettipants I was considering buying:

Ilusion Cotton/Polyester Lace Pettipant Slip: These ones are a cotton/polyester blend, which might be a good compromise of breathability but slipperiness. These aren't very expensive. They look long, so shorter skirts would be out unless I hemmed a pair. Sizing goes from S through XXL.

Under Moments Women's Cotton Pettipants Pant Slip: These ones are cotton, which should be breathable, though some reviews say the ones they got were a 50/50 blend. These are affordable. They look knee length in the picture, but reviews said they were shorter in real life so could work even with short skirts. Sizing is a generous S through XXXXL (3X).

Velrose Snip-it Pettipants (3362): These are nylon, which means at least they should act like a slip under a skirt and not stick to it. Unfortunately, they might ride up on my thighs. I like the snip-it feature where you can cut it to the length you prefer. Plus sizes available (S up to 6X).

Underworks Woven Cotton Culotte Slips Pettipants 3-Pack: My biggest concern with these is feeling like I belong to a fundamentalist cult. Ok, not really. But they don't scream sexy, huh? And they'd peek out beneath shorter skirts, so hemming would be involved. The description says these are 100% cotton; a review says 97% cotton with 3% spandex. Either way, far more cotton than most other offerings, which should be nice and breathable and could be worn as underpants as well. (With nylon or similar, I'd wear cotton undies underneath.) There's a small lace trim, and many reviews said the (cheap) lace trim on a lot of these was scratchy. What I like the least is they're available in 3-packs for $55, which means I'd really have to commit to them, before even trying them on. Sizing S to 6X.

Underworks Pettipants Nylon Culotte Slip Bloomers Split Skirt 4-inch Inseam: Nylon. Kind of cute and sassy for once, like something from the Flapper era. I like that the short length would be undetectable under all skirt and might even work under skorts! However, the short length also means they're likely to ride up during wear and therefore expose the parts I'm trying to keep covered. This might be a short-skirt-only buy, with a longer version for other skirts. Inexpensive. Sizing S to XXXX-large.

Wickers Performance Underwear - Women's Boxer: Polyester, which is odd, because they look like they should be cotton. However, reviewers claim the synthetic helps wick away sweat, which I could understand from my running wear. I'd still wear cotton undies underneath. Made in the USA. I think this is my favorite commercial option right now, because they look like they'd fit a variety of skirt lengths and be discreet if my skirt flipped up (whereas with the ruffled ones…). A little pricey for one pair of undies but not terrible. Sizing S to XXL. [Edited: I bought these & was pretty happy with them. I don't know why, but both their site and their Amazon listings seem to be currently down for maintenance, but I'll keep this up for when they come back online. I didn't like the tighter band around the bottom and the very unsexy balloon-butt look, and the price was a bit high, but I wore the heck out of them until they wore out then switched to the Danskin shorts and Bandelettes as mentioned below.]

Skimmies Slipshort: 85% Nylon Microfiber / 12% Spandex / 3% cotton. "A cotton gusset runs down inner thighs to help alleviate chafing and maintain breathability." The reviews sound like this one's perfect, except for one person who says her clothes stick to it like hook-and-loop tape. If that's so, then it's back to slips. I'd like to try it, because otherwise it looks great, except for that review and the price of $20. Sizing S to XXL.

Danskin Now - Women's Bike Shorts, 2 pack: On the one hand: bike shorts. On the other hand, I've heard good things about the comfort of these since they're cotton jersey. And the price is right, at 2 for $13. Cheapest at Walmart but available at Amazon as well. Sizing S to XXL, and plus sizes also available. [Edited: I bought these & lurve them! The price is definitely right, and in basic black, they're not embarrassing to look at. They don't constrict my rolls, but they do offer a basic smoothing, and I find the cotton jersey breathable enough even in summer weather. And, most importantly, my thighs are happy!]

Calida Comfort Stretch Cotton Long Leg Panties (26024): These look like pretty much exactly what I want (for longer skirts, at least, and a reviewer says they have a shorter length as well): 95% cotton with what looks like a cotton crotch. But the sizing runs only S through L, and they're $32.

I'm not even going into whether the cotton and other materials are sustainably produced (I highly doubt it) or if the items are manufactured under fair labor conditions (likewise for many, though one at least said it was made in New Hampshire).

Handmade pettipants and bloomers

In that vein, here are some handmade Etsy options, though many are more expensive. (Some are absolutely breathtaking, though!) I've avoided listing any here that are one-of-a-kind in a certain size and am concentrating on items that can be custom sized, because I don't want anyone (including me) to be disappointed.

victorian edwardian women's cotton bloomers — early bloomers: These are precious and would definitely make me feel like I had on something special underneath. Made of sustainable cotton and vintage lace, and custom sewn, so props for all that. The price tag is an ouchy $100. [Edited: Appears the shop is now offline.]

Saloon Bloomers — Folk: These I LOVE. I might really have to order these once I can spend money. They're only $32 (I say "only," because the value of handmade clothing is undoubtedly higher), and aren't they fabulous? I love them, love them, love them. They wouldn't hide under short skirts, but I think they'd be adorable peeping out as well! Cotton muslin. [Edited: Appears the shop is now offline.]

Bloomers — Scoundrelle's Keep: I like the idea of these ones, too, because they'd look cute on the outside as well. They come in fun prints and colors. Plus, they're only $25! My one concern is that they might be too short (and possibly loose) in the inseam to do any good, chafing-wise. (P.S. I like that top, too.)

Ladies Cream Ruffled Bloomers — mimirob: I like the simplicity of these cotton bloomers, and they're only $25 as well. Does it look like the crotch is too long, or do you think it's fine once it's on? I wish there were a view on a model.

Yoga Bloomers — Moonseats: These comfortable-looking $25 yoga bloomers look like something I'd never want to take off. I like the cuffs that would keep them a little trimmer on the leg, though I worry the roll-over waistband might be too bulky under a skirt, and the length could be too long. Maybe that can be solved in a custom order, though?

CUSTOM Victorian Gothic Pantaloons or Bloomers — Joyful by Design: I haven't looked through everything in this store yet, but it looks like she'll custom-make either pantaloons (hanging straight down) or bloomers (drawstring gathers at the cuffs) in black or white cottons, in regular and plus sizes, and with various lengths available. $27.99-$34.99 (this model). A nice touch is her offering of Frugal Frills bloomers with elastic and without lace in sizes S to XL for only $21.99.

Bitchin' Bloomers — Xochiquetzal Clothing: The photo's from a Flickr user, and it looks like the company doesn't sell bloomers quite as often anymore. Still, they're pretty cute! $28 for the linked Etsy pair in a size S.

UPDATED: Thighsavers — TAV Creations: This came to me via Twitter and looks ideal. Made by Halyma from quick drying stretch nylon, with a mesh crotch and thigh area to keep the thighs from chafing. $20, fits sizes 12-28 and can be custom adjusted for different body shapes. [Edited: I no longer see these on the site.]

If you can find me something perfect and affordable elsewhere, please link!

Making do or making my own

However, since it's a continuing Low-Spend Time for me, I can't buy any of the above just yet. So…my options for the month include:

Find the least binding pair of hose I have and cut off the legs and suck it up with wearing a slip.

Continue wearing pants instead. This would be the cheapest and easiest route, though don't you think it would be cool if I could design my own pettipants or bloomers out of material I already have? I have some old sheets that I think would be workable…

Tights & Leggings — Modest Handmaidens: I could design my own shorter length leggings from this pattern for $12 and some stretchy fabric. (Despite the name of the site, it truly does specify that shortening is okie-dokie: "Can also be made knee or mid-calf for use instead of bloomers." See?) [Edited: Appears to be out of the catalog.]

Do you have the all-annoying chafing issue? What have you tried to get around it?

Remember, if you can spend a teensy bit (or heaping lot) of money this month or have some items already around the home, I'd love to hear a report of any of the above solutions you try out for a follow-up post!

44
comments:

Thank you for addressing this. I've struggled with it my while life. Like you, no matter what size I've been, my thighs touch. I have been at a loss for options and settle for not wearing skirts when its hot and ill be outside a lot. :( I just might be investing in some of the options you propose. You're awesome. Thanks!

I'd try lanolin or aquaphor. In Texas another clothing layer isn't an option for me! When I run I wear compression shorts under my running shorts to alleviate the problem. You can find them in a variety of materials and lengths. I am sweating just looking at all these undergarments!!

I also have the same problem, even when a size 6, my thighs rub together!

2 other suggestions just in case you are interested...

- in terms of commercial anti chafe product, I love "Bodyglide" - I've used it running for years. And always on my thighs, although sometimes feet too, and neck, to stop wetsuit rub. I'm not sure about the ingredients, so you may not like it, but thought I'd get a name out there.

- If you are interested in running skirts that don't ride up, have a look at Skirt Sports. www.skirtsports.com. It's owned and run by an amazing woman based in Colorado, and I love their stuff. I have two running skirts, a shorter one and then their longest ("Happy Girl Skirt") and I haven't had any problem with either riding up, although the short one isn't as good as preventing chafing as the long one.

I have no experience with pettipants, but I hope your search is successful!!

I love all of your Etsy finds! I didn't know there were commercial options. It's funny, I actually have a pair of the strumpets delight bloomers which I bought on sale as part-lounge pants, part-sleep shorts, and part-pirate costume and I love them! I do wish they had a longer rise but they don't chafe. It's funny because I never thought about wearing them under skirts! I usually either wear bike shorts or just skirts on days I'm not walking much. Great post!

I tweeted this link to you, but it bears repeating: no need to buy a pattern when you can draft one in 10 minutes http://www.antipope.org/feorag/gosurori/bloomers-pattern.pdf Then they're your ideal length, open or closed, your preferred fabric, etc.

bike shorts for hot days or leggings for cold days are the only thing that work for me so far. I was so frustrated to find the other day that my brand new maternity leggings I've only worn twice already have pilling on the thighs. sigh.when I used to run cross-country, I used to have a basically permanent assortment of scabs on my inner-thighs in September and October, because even at 125lbs running 40miles/week I just am a shape that includes rubbing-together-thighs. It was pretty painful. I'm a little surprised it never turned to a callus, lol.

As soon as I saw the title of your post, I was like, "Oh, that would be so easy to sew!" And it seems like a light cotton lawn would be SO much more comfortable on a hot day than bike shorts, which are tight and hot. Also, better for the lady parts. Those Victorians knew what they were doing. :-)

Bloomers are so cute! I especially love the first Victorian ones shown in this post - Too bad those are $100!

My legs rub together too, although I guess it doesn't bother me too much. I also don't walk around in skirts often. My thighs touched back when I was 115 pounds - Some people's legs are just designed to touch. I actually think it looks a little strange when someone's thighs don't touch. Makes them loo bow-legged or something.

I love that you wrote this article, Lauren! As you know, I have this trouble too, and I'm determined to find viable solutions so that I can wear dresses and skirts more often. (Aside from the chafing issue) I find them more comfortable than most pants, and I'm coming to realize that life is too short to be uncomfortable in my clothes all the time!

I think I'm going to try the men's boxer brief option first, then move on to making my own pettipants. Loving all the cute Etsy finds you came up with!

I have this too! I used to wear jersey shorts under skirts, or mens boxers, but as Ì've gotten a bit heavier after the babe, they ride up, so now I just don't wear dresses or skirts when I know I'll be walking! I once went out not thinking i'd go for a walk, walked for two hours and was literally bleeding!! Now I want those cute expensive ones :( ... to the sewing machine!

Thank you! This is the first time I've seen this issue addressed; I thought I was the only one! In the UK we have a product called HPA Lanolin, made by Lansinoh - no idea if you can get it in the US though. It's made for sore nipples when breastfeeding, but it's AMAZING MAGICAL MIRACLE CREAM and I've yet to find anything it can't help with. It's Autumn here now, but I'll be experimenting with it next Summer...

The Candida cotton option is good, I have some... Get the long ones though, the short ones ride up. You could also look at undersummers.... Made for this exact issue, but pricey. Finding the candida ones changed my life & wardrobe!

My fiance wears the Illusion cotton pettipants under her skirts (she only wears skirts.) They are comfy and cool and sometimes, when she rides her bike or it's windy, I get a peek at the pretty lace hems! (I know, I'm living in the wrong century.)

I own two pair of the cotton petticoats that are after your list. $8. on amazon. I LOVE them. They are a bit long with some of my around knee length dresses and skirts but anything below the knee and they are perfect. I am between a size 6 & 8 and my thighs touch. We live in S. E. Asia so HOT weather is almost a constant. I wanted them more to keep my legs from sticking together than from chaffing. They definitely solved my problem so they may help with chaffing as well. I am considering buying more and just shortening them, a lot less trouble than making the whole thing (here anyway).

I too have always had this problem, even when I was a size 6. I also wear skirts almost exclusively. For cycling, I wear bike shorts under my skirts, no slip. I make bloomers out of cotton sheeting and old linens. I can wear these as underwear or as outerwear.

The simplicity pattern is for split drawers. They are flat fronted with a drawstring back, but it is easy to sew up the crotch and put elastic in the back. I use it all the time because it isn't bulky.

Last month I indulged and bought a pair of silk pantaloons off ebay for $30. Love them, but I hesitate to wear them for riding. They are soft, they breathe and they are long enough to stop chafing.

I googled "how to keep thighs from rubbing tonight for new ideas aside from my spanx type bike shorts I always wear with skirts/dresses, and now I wonder how I never thought of making petti pants!? The bike shorts do the job of keeping chafing away (and from flashing people while playing with small kids) but sure get sweaty in the summer. I went for a long walk/bus ride around town with my kids last week and forgot to put them on under my skirt and was so uncomfortable for a few days! Now I'll whip up a few pairs of these and hopefully things will be breezy, lol!

I googled "how to keep thighs from rubbing tonight for new ideas aside from my spanx type bike shorts I always wear with skirts/dresses, and now I wonder how I never thought of making petti pants!? The bike shorts do the job of keeping chafing away (and from flashing people while playing with small kids) but sure get sweaty in the summer. I went for a long walk/bus ride around town with my kids last week and forgot to put them on under my skirt and was so uncomfortable for a few days! Now I'll whip up a few pairs of these and hopefully things will be breezy, lol!

Undersummers shortlettes are panty shorts to wear under dresses and skirts. They are super comfy, don't ride up, and most importantly provide antichafe protection. They come in regular and petite lengths and two styles, with or with our lace. Available at www.undersummers.com.

I have some tight cotton shorts, but they're always riding up. I've sometimes worn two pair, the second one lower. It looks silly, but it works. I'm looking for longer ones. I've worn bloomers and peti-pants. My thighs still chaffe unless the shorts are skin tight. Indian pants (salwarkamis or punjabi pants) have a whole bunch of cotton fabric gathered in the middle. They're fun to make since they were originally designed to use rectangular pieces of fabric without any cutting (or wasting). It seems to me that of all the options above, buying leggings and hemming them at the desired length is the cheapest option. I think I'll go to the thrift store to find some. Thanks for the article!

I got the tan ones myself because I wanted the longer leg length. They stay in place really well and since they're lace they aren't bulky under the skirt and they allow for air flow so I don't sweat as much as when I was wearing spanx.

OMG I have the same problem! I found silk split slip (culotte, pettipant, bloomer) whatever you they call it! at WinterSilks - they have a website and their sizes go up to 3X- they come in different lengths and a few colors (white, cream, black, cafe) - the price depends on size (us "robust" ladies are a bit more) - check it out, I LOVE MINE!! They wash great and don't catch on my clothes - I don't want anything else now. Good Luck!

I was looking for something similar then it hit me, I already had it! Nylon Capri sleep pants from Walmart! I have a pair of navy blue and a pair of burgundy that are the perfect length to wear under the mid calf length dresses I like and they were less than $15. They don't carry them now but now I'm looking for Capri sleep pants instead of petit pants and bloomers.

Hii was looking for reviews of pettipants to see whether it would be worth making them for summer to wear as a combined slip/indies - and found your post. I used to have chafing problems, but I found Bandalettes brilliant. They stay up, don't bite in, and stop the chafing completely. And they are reasonably priced, even with post for Europe!

I enjoy my skimmies, but if you are worried at all about "blow up", then these look like undies. I love, love, love my Malco Modes 6" inseam pettipants, and I keep wishing for more "blow ups" so I can show them off, they are so very cute. They do feel a tad more bulky than my skimmies, but they are so adorable I forgive them. As another plus, the waistband doesn't even roll over on me like it can on the skimmies. Both are awesome choices, but the pettipants overall rock!

I am in costuming and I am interested in getting myself some open crotch bloomers (it is more practical than having to reach up under many skirts and pulling down underwear), that is how I came across your blog. Thank you for the tips as I am also hoping to reduce the thigh chafe I experience when wearing skirts and dresses.

I can vouch for Bandalettes, they work well and stay in place. Because of the silicone, they can be a bit painful when you finally remove them at the end of the day but it is totally worth it. I also use a pair of shorts I found on Etsy. They have a wide lace trim on the legs that prevents my thighs from rubbing and is cute if it pops out under a skirt or shorts. The shop on Etsy is called "Deranged Designs 916" here is the link for the shop. https://www.etsy.com/shop/DerangedDesigns916?ref=profile_shopname

Here is a link to the kind that I purchased from them. It has a wide lace waistband to prevent muffin top as well as lace around the thighs. https://www.etsy.com/listing/385126024/black-and-red-scalloped-stretch-lace?ref=shop_home_active_9

I really like them and they do have a cotton gusset at the crotch so you don't have to wear underwear beneath them. Since I purchased both the Bandalettes and the shorts in black, I need to get something in nude for when I wear lighter clothing. I just have to decide which one I want to get (the Bandalettes or the shorts).

I have dried D.O. and it only works for about 5 minutes. I also tried an ant-chafing cream by Monistat and it doesn't last very long either (although my boyfriend gets a kick out of watching me apply it).

I actually just received a regular pair of Victorian style bloomers for Christmas and I have even worn them on an outing. They were quite comfortable. I would say they fit like high waisted pajama pants with a drawstring and no elastic. If you can't afford a sewing pattern, just use a pair of pajama pants as a pattern or even modify a pair of pj pants to fit your needs. Just be sure to have them high enough that your thighs don't rub. Depending on your clothing style, you might want them to have a high enough waist that goes all the way to the smallest part of your waist (if you wear skirts there or want to wear it with dresses and not have them buldge at the waistband) or you may want to lower the waistband to match wherever your waistband normally sits (just make sure the crotch portion is high enough and not baggy). If you make them out of slick cotton fabric or a silky material like what slips are made out of or even silk, they shouldn't cause your skirts to ride up. I have also looked into silk tap pants from the 20s-40s but they are usually cut very short so they wouldn't do much good unless you modify the legs to be longer. This would leave you with something like the pettipants available today.

@Jes O: I like that idea of using the pajama pants as a pattern. Good tip! I've been enjoying wearing my maternity leggings even though I'm not pregnant (ahem) and digging how the waist comes up to my armpits. I don't know why, but it seems like a sleeker look at any rate!

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Riding the rails with my husband, Crackerdog Sam, and our hobo kids, Mikko Lint Picker (born June 2007), Alrik Irontrousers (born May 2011), and Karsten (born October 2014). Trying every day to parent intentionally and with grace.